UFC 316: Veteran Names Hardest Puncher in MMA
Geoff Neal Reveals Hardest Hitting Opponent: Kevin Holland
Updated June 03, 2025
Welterweight contender Geoff neal has identified Kevin Holland as the hardest hitter he has faced in his career. Neal, reflecting on his MMA journey, recalled a 2017 bout with Holland before either fighter reached UFC stardom.
Neal’s UFC record includes victories over Belal muhammad, Mike Perry, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Vicente Luque. He has also shared the Octagon with formidable opponents such as Neil Magny, Stephen Thompson, and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
However, Neal singled out Holland, whom he fought at Xtreme Knockout 34, as delivering the most impactful blows. At the time, Neal held a 6-1 record, while Holland’s stood at 7-2.Holland secured a third-round TKO victory in their middleweight title fight, eventually earning his UFC possibility 18 months later.
Neal subsequently impressed Dana White on the Contender Series, securing his own UFC contract. Despite his success, the memory of Holland’s striking power remains vivid.
“Kevin holland, honestly,” Neal said when asked about his hardest-hitting opponent. “that motherf—- hits hard. Tall, lanky dude.”
Neal elaborated on holland’s physical attributes, noting, “The way he generates his power, he’s so long and he has an 80-somthing-inch reach. Yeah, he got me at the end of that motherf—– and almost knocked me out.”
Holland has become known for his versatility, frequently shifting between weight classes during his UFC career. In his most recent fight, he defeated Gunnar Nelson in a welterweight bout after moving down from middleweight. Holland is set to continue competing at 170 pounds at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey.
At UFC 316, Holland will face Vicente Luque, a former opponent of Neal’s, as he seeks to build a two-fight win streak on the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 undercard. The outcome of Holland’s upcoming fight will reveal whether his striking power will led him to victory.
What’s next
Kevin Holland will face Vicente Luque at UFC 316 in a welterweight bout, aiming to extend his winning streak and solidify his position in the division.